Ajay Nayak, PhD

The major focus of my research is to elucidate the underlying mechanisms contributing to allergic responses to Cannabis sativa (marijuana). Exposure to Cannabis components results in aberrant respiratory function including exacerbation of asthma. Furthermore, direct contact with the plant may also result in urticarial rash and angioedema. With increasing legalization of marijuana for medicinal and recreational use more individuals are likely to demonstrate allergic reactions in the near future. We are specifically interested in identifying the major allergens of marijuana and developing standardized tools for clinical diagnostics.

Additional research interests include GPCR signaling, regulation and function (in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo) in the context of lung disease, as well as the pathobiology and treatment of fibrotic lung disease.

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